The Warrior Within

  It’s not uncommon to find multi-sport athletes among young rugby players in America. Many balance rugby with football, basketball, or other sports during the off-season. But what makes our latest Q&A participant truly stand out is her remarkable versatility: Cadence is not only a dedicated rugby player, but also a cheerleader and an active member of her high school’s NJROTC program.
 Talk about a unique rugger—Cadence exemplifies discipline, focus, and leadership across three demanding arenas. Her ability to juggle the physical intensity of rugby, the precision and spirit of cheerleading, and the structured commitment of NJROTC speaks volumes about her character and drive.
 A proud product of San Diego’s youth rugby scene, having played with both the SD Mustangs and Spartan Youth Rugby, Cadence is poised for great things. Her well-rounded experience and strong foundation make her a promising addition to any club she joins in the future.

LLR-What position do you play and when did you start playing rugby?

CC- I started playing co-ed rugby the winter of 2022. I have played full back, fly half, wing, inside and outside center. The center positions would have to be my favorite. 

LLR- There are many examples of cross over athletes who come to rugby, but a Cheerleader to rugby on top of also being a member of the NJROTC. Which order did they all start and what are people's reactions when you tell them?

CC- I started cheerleading when I was 5 years old. When I was 11 years old I started playing rugby. I just started NJROTC this year as a freshman in high school. Most people are pretty surprised when they hear I play rugby and also cheer. A lot of people think those two sports don’t usually go together but everyone has been extremely supportive.

LLR- What's something from cheerleading that transfers over to rugby and rugby to Cheerleading? 

CC- I would say two of the biggest things that transfer between rugby and cheer would have to be communication and trust. Both of these are crucial for keeping everyone safe and achieving the team’s goals. 

LLR- What's been a highlight thus far for you in playing rugby?

CC- I can’t think of just one specific moment but I have been so lucky to have had such incredible opportunities to work with some of the most amazing coaches. Coach Troy with San Diego Mustangs was my very first coach and made me fall in love with game. Coach Ailani with San Diego Mustangs helped build my confidence on the field and see that I was capable of more than I knew. Coach Charlie the head coach at USD, runs the skills program at Proteus. He has taught me so much and gives me great advice to perfect my technique. He helps keep me focused on what’s really important and to stay on track. Coach Chris with Spartans rugby encouraged me to try other positions and taught me how to lead other when he put me in a captains role. I will always be so thankful for these coaches.


LLR- Do you still plan to continue all three programs going into college ?

CC- I would love to continue all three programs going into college. So finding a school with all three would be ideal. 

LLR- Is there a college or two you hope to attend in the future?

CC- Ever since I was 6 years old I have wanted to go to the University of Kentucky. I even had a UK themed birthday one year. Another school I have been extremely interested in is the United States Military Academy West Point.

LLR- Who has been a role model for you ?

CC- Someone that I really look up to would definitely have to be Portia Woodman. Every time you see her off the field she always smiling, really positive, and super humble. Then she steps on the field and she is an absolute beast. 

LLR- Favorite movie?

CC- My favorite movie would have to be A Dogs Purpose. 

LLR- In-N-Out or Chick-fil-a?

CC- I would have to choose Chick-fil-a

LLR- If you had the opportunity to speak in front of a group of middle school girls what 3 pieces of advice would you give them in giving rugby a try?

CC- If I could give other girls some advice about trying rugby I would say don’t be intimidated. It doesn’t matter your size or skill level, there is a place for everyone. Also rugby is not like other sports it’s a family. Not only do you build a strong bond with your teammates but also with players from other teams. Rugby is the most fun you’ll ever have you just gotta jump right in.

LLR- Any last words or heads-up about personal highlights coming up you would like to share? 

CC- I am super excited to start my first year of high school rugby. 

When I was in 6th grade I was being bullied and really just looking for something new. I found out my dance teacher played rugby when she was young and I thought that was so cool. So I decided to give it a try and I’m so glad I did. Rugby has given me confidence and shown me that I’m a much stronger person than I thought I was.

*Cadence C. Currently plays for Spartan Youth Rugby  

Welcome to the Jungle

 Located in the county of Yamhill, the Valley Panthers have built themselves into a consistent player in the girls side of Rugby Oregon. Lead by second year head coach Christine Bader the panthers finished only 3rd in the high school state championship. With a emphasis on building comradery amongst her players who hail from various schools in the area, Christine is excited for what the future holds and not only where her program falls into growing the game but also where female rugby will be in the coming years. 

 

LLR- How long have you been coaching the Panthers? 

C- I joined as assistant coach for the spring seasons in 2022 and 2023, and became head coach following the spring 2023 season.

LLR- Why coach rugby? What sets the sport apart from others?

C- I’ve played and coached other sports, but rugby’s “third half” in which teams share a post-game meal at all levels creates an insanely collaborative culture. Stepping in as the Panthers head coach this year, I’ve benefited so much from the generosity of other coaches, in and outside of Rugby Oregon. We’re competitive in that we want our teams to perform their best, but first and foremost we all want to grow the game together.

LLR- When were the Panthers founded?

C- In 2003-04—we’re celebrating our 20th anniversary this year! The club was founded by a McMinnville High School chemistry teacher, DeVon Cutrell.

LLR- How many players does the club have?

C- We had 30 players on our roster this spring.

LLR- How did the 2024 season go for the team?

C- We went 2-3 in league play, finishing 3rd overall in the state.

LLR- In your opinion have you seen a growth of girls rugby in Oregon or can there be more done to help grow it more?

C- Apparently there were 18 girls teams in Oregon before the pandemic! So yes, there’s a lot that we need to do to rebuild. Rugby Oregon does registration and scheduling; but there’s so much more to do in terms of proactively recruiting and supporting coaches and players, fundraising, liaising with schools, developing curricula for girls’ health and leadership development, and strengthening pathways before and after high school rugby.

LLR- Between the Premier Rugby 7s and now the recently announced Women's Elite Rugby, are these competitions that your players are excited for and an opportunity for you to help bolster the numbers for players coming out? 

C- Of course: the more rugby, the better! I’d point to a few other competitions that are more immediate to my players: the rapid growth of women’s collegiate rugby, so my players have a sense of what their next step could be; the Olympics, since it brings the sport to a mainstream viewing audience; and Girls Rugby Inc., which runs flag rugby for girls in grades 2-8, and is on a mission to grow the game in the U.S. leading up to the Women’s World Cup in 2033!

LLR- 2033 will be here soon: Do you think Oregon should host a few matches for the World Cup, or should games be played at other locations? 

C- It would be amazing to have World Cup matches here! Portland in particular is a hotbed of women’s and girls rugby, with the Portland Pigs and ORSU womxn’s clubs, and the biggest girls’ team in our league, the East County Grackles; and women’s sports more generally, with The Sports Bra bar that only shows only women’s sports earning national media coverage, and the very popular Portland Thorns soccer team. Outside of Portland, the Oregon Sharks is a top-notch elite squad; and on the women’s collegiate front, the University of Oregon’s Dirty Ducks and Western Oregon University’s Wolves just went to 7s Nationals! So yes, World Cup planners, Oregon is ready to welcome you with open arms!!!

LLR- Valley Panthers is a multi-school program, how is the relationship between players coming from different schools?

C- We’ve spent a lot of time fostering 1:1 relationships to break down any barriers between schools—we had six different high schools represented this season!—and it’s been surprisingly seamless. We’re all Panthers!

LLR- Do you have words of encouragement for young girls currently playing in middle school, elementary, on continuing playing rugby as they move up in grades? 

C- Unfortunately there are few elementary and middle school opportunities for girls to play rugby in Oregon right now. But Girls Rugby Inc. is working to fill that gap!

LLR- What's the best way for everyone to follow the team and get updates? 

C- Instagram @Valley.panthersrugby, or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/valleypanthersgirlsrugby. 

 We also have a basic website at https://valleypanthers.carrd.co/, though it’s not updated as often as our social media accounts. But our contact information is there—feel free to reach out any time!

 I would like to thank Christine very much for her responses and I would also like to acknowledge the previous female leaders and players of their respective clubs that I have interviewed. The way each of them talks so passionately and cares deeply for their teams, players and teammates and the development of not just the athletes themselves but also taking the time to care for each one of them as a individual person. It gives me hope as a father with some of my young girls already involved with Girls Rugby inc. that the path women's rugby is heading down right now here in America , the game is due for a explosion from the bottom up. If people like these women I've spoken with in the last 4-6 months continue to be involved and continue to keep doing what they are doing, I for one feel confident and comfortable leaving my kids in the hands of individuals to help mold them into great athletes and also great humans, and that the USA Eagles women's will be a force on the pitch come 2033.

Girls Rugby

This past year two of my daughters completed their first season of playing flag rugby. They absolutely loved it and keep asking when does the next season start (there is two, fall and spring but my family can only do spring ) . It's an amazing tool to help teach the very basic skills of the sport and help young kids build confidence, friendships and memories without the stress of competition. PLEASE reach out and sign up. If your area doesn't have a team inquire how one can get started. 

Kneel before the Royals

*This Blog and Life Love Rugby (LLR) on all social media accounts will never degrade anyone , rugby community or not, based because of their sexual orientation, religious beliefs and even political beliefs to that extent. All are welcomed #RugbyforAll 

The power of rugby as a sport has a way of changing lives forever and it can not be measured. In the city of San Jose, CA. , population over 1 million.  There is a lot of youth sports programs happening. there are so many options for kids of all ages from soccer, to basketball swimming and lacrosse. However, it is an absolute shocker that the largest city in Northern California has only 1 girls high school team let alone only 2 boys high school team. Almost seems like a utter knock on from Rugby NorCal to not have invested more into having at least 4 teams of each boys and girls playing with in the city limits alone.

Like many of you who find new rugby clubs at various levels Overfelt Royals, a high school girls team, came across one of my social media platform's and I was intrigued right away. Upon learning they are from my home town I had to begin to fallow them. Still relatively new to the scene there isn't much on the young club. these girls as you are about to read have endured some of the ugliest things that unfortunately are still happening in society today. I encourage every one to visit The Rugby Breakdown to read about their incredible journey thus far and the pure hate the Royals have endured. 

Id like to thank Julissa Deanda , current team president, for taking the time to answer questions and for being so honest and a shinning example on being a true leader. I deeply encourage if you are a coach in college, or anyone from USA Rugby to reach out to Julissa, outside of these questions we had a bit of a exchange through messenger and what an absolute passionate, encouraging and all around amazing young woman and you to will enjoy getting to know her very much! 

*coach Susanna Guardado has given some more insight into some of the questions. 

LLR- What year was the rugby club founded, what inspired the formation?

JD-  Our Royal Rugby club was actually founded just last year in 2021 but has been in the works since 2019. It all started when a simple game was introduced to a jv soccer team back in 2019, when our rugby coach, Coach Susanna Guardado or Coach G, was actually our soccer coach. She sort of just said “Hey want to try something new?”, during our final practice and we went at it. Our team became enthralled with the game and when our coach proposed actually starting a new team, no answer was needed; We were in. Unfortunately, soon after, Covid-19 hit and most of the team members had no idea what would happen with the sport. However, our coach was working hard behind the scenes from 2020 up until 2021 and fought for our club to become a reality. And although many people doubted us, in 2021, the same year we became a team, we became bowl champions. 

LLR- When someone talks about youth rugby in the bay area, there’s mostly talk about the boys side of things. How has the reception been so far from the school and local clubs of the Overfelt girls rugby team? 

JD- Well, personally, outside teams never seemed to be the problem. We actually made friends with a lot of them and raised 11k in donations from asking within the community. Rugby itself is a very respectful community because it’s built on connections to balance the toughness of the sport, so to our surprise it wasn't the outside clubs who put us down, it was our own peers. When it was first speculated that the girls would have a rugby team, an anonymous post was made on an instagram account. From what I can remember, it said something along the lines that we “ lesbians got a rugby team” and now we think we’re “the shit”. Under it were many tasteless homphobic comments such as being called “ran through'' for liking multiple genders or “sensitive” for standing up against their disrespect. Most of these comments were left by boys football team members . The post created a bigger chain reaction than I thought because by defending our team in the comments, I myself got into an argument and had a falling out with a friend because I called her out for defending them. And it wasn't harmful only to me, but to many of the girls on the team who also identify somewhere on the LGBTQ+ scale. To be stereotyped into one category once again was frustrating as women themselves are already underpaid, underestimated, and disrespected not only in sports, but in day to day life. Our response after the dilemma: don't react, just prove them wrong. My personal response: “Where’s their trophy?”.

LLR- In a mass city like San Jose, the Royals have seem to become a bacon for the potential of girls rugby in the area, is there a sense of pride amongst you and your teammates for carrying the torch thus far for girls youth rugby in a blind spot of NorCal Rugby?

JD- My teammates and I are flattered to be seen as an inspiration to the younger athletes who want to play rugby someday. We realize our “rags to riches” story opened up a door full of opportunities such as articles and interviews that tell our story, or when we raised 11k+ from our community to fund our team, but those victories weren’t just handed to us, we had to earn it by having the grit to want better for ourselves constantly. However, we realize we wouldn't be here without our community's support so we are humble and grateful for that. We try to return the kindness by inspiring the new generations to continue the East Side rugby legacy. We hoped to inspire them by running workshops in the summer and we accomplished exactly that. In fact, many of the kids who went still refer to some of the players as “teacher” or “coach”! We have also volunteered with the BAWSI girls at sporting events and enjoyed seeing the smile on their faces when we were repeating a chant. At the core we are a community and family-oriented team, so yes we are proud of our accomplishments, but because we worked hard for it and would like to inspire the younger generations to do the same. 

SG- Of course it does! As the head coach of the program and founder of the team, I have bigger goals, bigger dreams for the program’s future. I strongly believe Rugby is a sport that San Jose needs, especially East Side San Jose!

Currently, there is so much collaboration and partnership being establish with our program. For instance, the SJSU WOMENS RUGBY program collaborates practices. Some of the San Jose Seahawks Women players come out (from time to time) to help during practices. As for next level work, I have 3 players who will be going to the U18 Mexico national tryouts in October!

LLR- In the article from The Rugby Breakdown posted towards the end of last year, it was stated that there was a lack of support from the school in helping with supplying practice space and proper time set aside to do so. Have things changed since then?

JD- Unfortunately, it is true that we had and still have an overall lack of support from the school. It’s just not as bad as it used to be. From the beginning, we realized we would have to share the field with the football boys, but we did not realize that we would be getting pushed off the field as well. We originally aimed for half of the field considering it is a 7’s team that requires a lot of running, but were given a shot put area to practice in. Not only that, but once we gained access to the lights to have our practices on the field from 6-8 pm, the football team began “extending” or pushing their practices back which left us once again in the shotput area. Regardless of the area we practiced in, we still won the 7’s championships, however, that still wasn't enough to gain respect or support because when tryouts for the 15s season began, suddenly a new rule was implemented, that “no players currently in a season can try out” for a club sport. This rule was probably made with the fact in mind that many of our core players in rugby 7’s also came from the girl's soccer team and that many of the boys interested in starting their own boy's rugby team, were from the football team. It was justified as a “safety precaution” for players in a season since playing BVAL sports should be prioritized and we are a club sport that's more prone to injuries. That rule cut our three weeks of practice to three short days right before the KOT tournament, which resulted in players getting injuries, myself included, from lack of tackling preparation. Yet regardless of the restrictions imposed on us, those who were truly passionate about rugby stuck around and for 15s season we ended up in the top three!

SG- It all starts from the top right. Last year we held a student body meeting with the school’s principal. Where we came prepared to take things to the next level and bring in title 9. Many things were agreed on during that meeting but as soon as season began, most of it went out the door and the story repeated itself. We have limited access due to football (field and weight room). We proposed a decent start time of 6p for the safety of our girls but that was declined. We don’t officially jump on the field until 7p, ending practice at 830pm

LLR- Overfelt just concluded a club sign up day for students, how was the turn out this year thus far for potential players?

JD- We had so much fun recruiting new players for our rugby team! It was very successful and we now have around 20 players compared to last year's 13-15 players. We gained so much interest from students at club rush that we even had to make a boy's sign-up sheet for those who were interested in starting a rugby team of their own. Now if they'll stick around, who knows, but we really hope they do!

LLR- Are you planning on continuing to play after high school and into college, if there a specific college you have a eye on or one reach out yet?

JD- Yes I want to continue playing rugby for college, specifically Howard or Harvard University! They specialize in my interests of political sciences and law and both have powerful politician alumnis such as Kamala Harris and Barack Obama. It’s also a POC dominated school so it would make me feel welcome as a POC myself. I actually hope to be in communication with Howard’s Rugby coach soon, as she has connections with my coach, Coach G. I plan to use all the opportunities in front of me to join these schools. They’re my dream colleges!

LLR- As club president what are some joys and hardships you face?

JD- Undoubtedly, everything about being class president is a joy to me. Knowing events ahead of time and helping plan them taps into the passionate leader inside of me. Facilitating a room and directing it when needed has always been one of my strong suits, as well as something I enjoy doing, so when I apply these traits in my day to day rugby life, by running informational club meetings or by representing our voice, like now, it's not because I have to, but because I want to. And although it is hard for me to focus, as a naturally forgetful and scatterbrained person, my position as president has taught me to be responsible. It has taught me to be a dependable person and show up when it really counts, because when my team needs to rely on me, I will be there to support them. 

LLR- If given a chance to speak at another school and talk to potential players about starting their own club team, what would you say to them?

JD- I would tell them that regardless of the obstacles they may face in their path, ambition and grit is the key to making it not only as a team but also as a family. If you can learn to trust your teammates to protect you when you're tackled, you’ll eventually learn that you can trust them with anything as well. They’ll be the first ones to have your back when you need support so if those connections are the ones you're looking to make, rugby is an option worth fighting for! Don’t ever let anyone tell you you’re aiming too high or asking for too much. Just make sure you're ready to work for it too!

SG- Funny, because I have been reaching out to all High schools around the area and NOTHING. So now I’m opening my options asking charter schools and continuation schools. This sport is amazing and will open up many doors.

LLR- On the teams Instagram account I noticed this summer that there was some sort of clinic being run for younger kids, how was the reception of the clinic over the summer and how key is it to building a strong connection between the club and community?

JD- Running the open summer clinic allowed the rugby team to come full circle and return the favor for the overwhelming support the community has expressed for us by allowing them to learn the sport itself. Dani, Sol, and Vero taught the kids not only the basics of rugby techniques but also what it means to be a “team”. They taught them to communicate, be respectful, and persevere; skills that they will need not only in sports but also in their personal life. But these kids didn’t only learn life skills, they also had fun! In fact, they got so close to their teammates and teachers that many of them didn't want there to be a “last practice” and tournament. We made an effort to build a connection with the kids because they’re vital to keeping our legacy alive. By involving these kids in rugby ahead of time, we gave them the opportunity not only to fall in love with the sport and gain a new passion but also to possibly be part of the future generation of the Royal Ruggers!

SG- Yes! The summer clinic was something that I pushed for during our meeting. The vision was to host FREE rugby clinics for kids ages 5-12 years old every Friday. And May I say, this was a success. Every Friday we had 20-24 kids ages 5-12 yrs old out there learning the sport. I created a junior coach position so that 3 of my athletes can learn how to coach. I paid them out of pocket for their amazing work. Alongside, we had the older group (13-18 years old)  who would scrimmage for 1.5 hours. The older group would usually gather 14-18 people every practice. Like this we met many middle schoolers who are now interested in rugby and many little ones who wish to be in a team! 

LLR- Lastly what final words would you like to share, how can people interested fallow along and what can we all do, living in San Jose and outside the area to help support the program as it continues to grow

JD- In life, you will face much opposition as you try new things, just as we did when we fought tooth and nail for the Royals Rugby club to flourish and become our legacy. The key was to have grit and just like our scrums say, to “keep driving” because you can’t give up without a good fight, regardless of what life may throw in your path. Whether it’s by playing rugby yourself or simply supporting the community, we encourage you to immerse yourselves in the world of rugby. It is a diamond mind full of professional athletic opportunities and life-changing bonds within the small world we live in, so we advise you not to miss out! If you would like to follow along on our team’s journey and continue supporting us to the fullest, our Instagram handle is @wcoroyalrugb, and we’re both lucky and appreciative of having you!

SG- Add: if anyone is interested in being a part of the royal family in the spring, please reach out. We are looking into establishing a boys side as well. 

#RugbyForAll

To fallow the Royals please fallow along on Instagram: @wcoroyalrugb ,  I highly recommend if you are a women's college coach to please keep a sharp eye on the Royals and their progress being made, you may find the next group of stars that you need to help carry the program to a national title.

Let it be known, Rugby is a sport for all. if you have hate against some ones sexual orientation, color of skin, religious belief's and race then Rugby is not for you and we will as a society, as a community and as a family will not condone such views. I hope that Overfelt High school in San Jose,CA has or will investigate such disgusting acts if they are associated in any form with its own student body. It is also unfortunate but very true for many club teams on almost any level but the Royals have had to fight , mostly the football team, for practice time and space on campus. I commend the team as a whole for continuing to care the flag and represent Overfelt even when they have been exiled by most and are the main target from the powers that be to make it a point to extinguish the club as a whole. But with their adversity they have found a way to turn it all into fuel and prove everyone wrong over and over again.

As for the last point that needs to be made, there has been little to no effort made from Rugby NorCal to help grow the game for young women. How can the Largest city in its region have only one youth girls rugby team. 

If you would like to get in contact with Julissa please reach out in ether form.

Cell: 408-599-6080

Email: julissa040205@gmail.com

If you would like to get in contact with Royals Rugby (Overfelt Rugby) 

Email: coachguards@gmail.com

Instagram: @wcoroyalrugb 

*update: There is now movement being made that there will be a boys team spring (2023)